Overview Bob looks at family history and their settling on the Ermadale farm, its condition, childhood chores and child pass times e.g. hut building and collecting birds eggs. He briefly looks at the war years; his marriage, children and of a 100 acres farm at Gropers Bush. He eventual grew his farm ownership to 1100 acres between Gropers Bush, Waipango and Ermadale; talking of the condition and farming of these. He also worked as a contractor and shearer and purchased a portable hay baler working...

Overview In this interview Albie tells of his early life and education at Gummies Bush/Wild Bush; his employment history at the Dairy Factory and later on the Pest Board. He gives detailed descriptions of methods used for the eradication of rabbits. Albie went to war and tells of his involvement and experiences. He was a prisoner of war for two years. In 1975 he and his wife joined the Prisoner Of War Association tour through Europe.

Overview In this interview Jack talks of his family history and grandparent’s employment with mining e.g. Nightcaps and Linton Coal Company; the family orchard in McIvor Road. Jack goes on to recall his own education, employment with the Post Office and war experiences where he was in the Army Signals in 21st battalion posted in the Middle East. In 1945 he returned to the Post Office transferring to Wellington-Lower Hutt exchange. In 1956 he and wife Thelma returned to Southland and purchased a small...

Overview In this interview Pat discusses family history, her education and employment and marriage to Brian Talboys who was a MP and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Education, and Agriculture in the NZ government. He retired from politics in 1981. Prior to going into politics, they purchased a farm at Heddon Bush which is now run by their son Guy. She tells of her father being the Mayor of Invercargill for 3 terms. (Adam Adamson Invercargill Mayor 1953 – 1962) and recalls meeting the Queen on official...

Overview This interview covers Violet's early life at Otaitai Bush. She and her siblings were taught music and singing although Violet preferred and enjoyed singing. Violet tells of meeting her husband, marriage, living at Pourakino Valley and later shifting to town. She describes her ‘Step into the Past’ collection and sourcing the items within this.